David Moyes makes two big West Ham changes for ‘El Sackicko’ against Everton after Danny Ings and Said Benrahma decisions.
What a huge game we have on our hands at the London Stadium today as West Ham host relegation rivals Everton.
Both sides start the day in the bottom three as the second half of the season gets underway.
The Wolves defeat last week means West Ham go into another six-pointer against Everton with no win in seven Premier League games.
With Frank Lampard also under pressure at Goodison Park, the West Ham v Everton clash has been dubbed ‘El Sackico’ among its myriad of sub-plots.
Rumours suggest anything but a win over his old club will see Moyes sacked. And he has somewhat ironically been linked with a return to managing Everton.
So it really could be the last roll of the dice for Moyes as he clings on to the the Hammers job.
The Scot has signed striker Ings ahead of the game in a bid to get more goals into his team with Gianluca Scamacca sidelined due to a knee injury.
That gives the manager another dilemma over who to start up front as the outspoken Michail Antonio continues to be heavily linked with a move away to – ironically – the likes of Everton.
We predict Moyes makes two big West Ham changes for ‘El Sackicko’ against Everton after his Ings decision.
West Ham look set to be boosted by the return to Kurt Zouma to the team after a long spell out.
He could replace Angelo Ogbonna in the first change, with Nayef Aguerd reverting to his more natural role at left centre back.
We believe Antonio will keep his place up front with Moyes electing to bring Ings on as a substitute having only trained once with his new teammates.
The second change could raise some eyebrows but many will feel it is overdue.
We think Tomas Soucek, who has been subbed in a number of matches recently, will be benched as Said Benrahma comes into the side.
That will see Pablo Fornals move to a central role in Soucek’s place alongside Declan Rice and Lucas Paqueta.
It will not be a surprise to see Ings introduced early in the second half for either Antonio or Benrahma – particularly if West ham are struggling or looking for a breakthrough.
Craig Dawson will not be involved as he closes on a move to Wolves.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Everton:
Fabianski, Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Cresswell, Rice, Fornals, Paqueta, Benrahma, Bowen, Antonio.